Pasties are traditionally a staple of a West Country diet. They have a rich history that stretches back to medieval times, but it was in the 17th century when they were popularised in the Cornish mines in the form we know them today.
While Bristol isn’t short of bakeries selling sourdoughs, pastries and other baked delights, there is a distinct shortage of proper West Country pasties. The historic Joe’s Bakery often gets a mention along with Parsons Bakery, but there are very few independent bakeries that specialise in traditional Cornish pasties in Bristol.
Tucked into one of the old railway arches on Oxford Street, near Temple Meads, is The Pasty Emporium. It first opened in 2005 by Jonathan Pearce, who was joined by Jacek Gorzynski three years later.
